Backpack Mack

Technically it’s been 33 days but who’s counting? I wanted to keep myself accountable to the initial goals I set out to accomplish during this three month trip. Just like I would advise in a corporate setting, it’s important to not only set your goal, but also work backwards and understand the necessary daily steps it will take to get there. Regular check-ins can help shed light on whether you are on track or your project plan is slipping. So following the same logic, here is my review: 

Goals 

1. Learn Spanish – On Track ✅
   • Given the structured nature of the language program, this one has been easier to stick to. My one area for growth here is to try not to be so gun shy about using my spanish in the wild. 
2. Daily exercise and movement – On Track ✅
   • This one has been relatively easy since walking and biking is such a common form of transportation in the cities I have visited and my body is thanking me. My green ring on my apple watch has been closed if not doubled nearly every day. 
3. Less scrolling more reading – Slipping 🚨
   • This one has been tricky. My screen time has gone down as I’ve spent more time in the classroom or in museums or visiting monuments but I would be lying if I said I had completely redirected my time. I have gone through one audiobook and a few podcasts but I would really like to read a bit more, recommendations welcome! 
4. Get creative with writing and art – Partially Slipping 🚨
   • I have been spending time writing and updating this blog but I have only done two days of sketches which is disappointing. I would like to swap a little bit of my scrolling time each day for even a quick sketch. 
5. Lean into learning regarding both personal and professional interests – On Track (ish) ✅
   • I really enjoyed my time in Mexico exploring museums and art galleries. That being said I could spend a little more time reflecting on my professional goals. 
6. Travel slow and really take in the places I am visiting – On Track ✅
   • Being able to spend one to two weeks in each location has been really rewarding in terms of absorbing and learning about the place and the culture. 
7. Visit new places / new experiences – On Track (ish) ✅
   • Technically I had previously visited Antigua, Guatemala, Mexico City, Mexico and Cusco, Peru previously but as I go to each of these places for a second time I have put a concerted effort into trying new things. 
8. Feel excited and grateful about how I’m spending each day –  On Track ✅
   • Definitely on track, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do something like this and to have a supportive partner who is joining when he can. 
9. Self reflection on where I want to focus my energy – On Track (ish) ✅
   • As mentioned in goal #5, I should be spending a little more time working on expanding my professional skillset, but that being said I have thought a lot about what I liked / didn’t like from previous jobs and have started formulating a clearer picture of what I want in my next role. 
10. Come back strong and reenergized – On Track ✅
    • I am really enjoying this process and I feel so much more energized every day.